New Orleans Saints-Kansas City Chiefs: 24-26
Things start well for Derek Carr (6/8, 70 yards, 1 TD) in New Orleans. The new quarterback found Michael Thomas (2 rec, 21 yards), Alvin Kamara (3 carries, 14 yards – 3 rec, 21 yards) or Juwan Johnson (2 rec, 29 yards) during a single and unique offensive roundly conducted. Twelve actions, 80 yards, just over five minutes on the clock and a touchdown from Keith Kirkwood on a four-yard reception. The new era is well launched for the moment among the Saints.
The Chiefs could not do anything against Carr, in particular because their pass rush suffered from the absence of Chris Jones. In two possessions and nine opposing pass attempts, Kansas City defenders only managed to put pressure on the opposing pitcher twice, without touching him. Patrick Mahomes and his attacking teammates did no better. Their only streak didn’t even last three minutes and ended with a punt from their own half.
Las Vegas Raiders-San Francisco 49ers: 34-7
It is not immediately that Trey Lance will recover his starting position. If his statistics sheet is flattering (10/15, 112 yards, 1 TD), the quarterback suffered in this game. No first down on his first three sets, then a miraculous touchdown on a pass that could (should?) have been intercepted. And finally two more series without points to conclude the half. Lance hasn’t helped with an all-sub and struggling offensive line to protect him, but it’s now clear the understudy spot is what the former Draft No. 3 is fighting for.
The good news for Lance is that Sam Darnold (5/8, 84 yards) didn’t really do better after the break.
The Raiders can be satisfied with the performance of their rookie Aidan O’Connell (15/18, 141 yards, 1 TD), who took advantage of the opportunity he had to start the match. By leading the offense to a touchdown on his first offensive, he set the tone. In a full group effort accompanied by an aggressive defense, Las Vegas came away with a big win that showed the bench might finally be a little bigger.
